Apple Watch unveils upgraded blood oxygen monitoring
Apple Watch’s Blood‑Oxygen Sensor Restored After Patent Battle
Apple announced that several of its flagship smartwatch lines will receive a redesigned blood‑oxygen sensor after a recent U.S. customs ruling lifted a patent‑based restriction.
Series 9, Series 10, and Ultra 2 to Receive Update
- Software patches will add the sensor to a range of Series 9, Series 10, and Ultra 2 models.
- Apple noted that the update was made possible by the customs decision.
Background: Patents and Sales Halt
Apple temporarily paused sales of its newest smartwatches in January amid a dispute with health‑tech company Masimo.
Masimo, a Southern California firm, filed a complaint with the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC), which ordered a halt to imports of the Apple Watch models over a patented technology for measuring blood‑oxygen levels.
Because Apple manufactures the majority of its products overseas, the ITC had the jurisdiction to issue the ruling.
Apple’s Response
Apple removed the sensor from the affected devices at the time and resumed sales. Masimo argued that it invented the technology and that Apple poached key employees to gain the know‑how. Apple said it appealed the ITC decision in a federal court, claiming the ruling was erroneous.
Apple Watch’s Health Features
Apple vigorously markets its smartwatch’s health utilities, which include: irregular heartbeat detection, fall detection, sleep apnea monitoring, and noise‑level warnings.
Key Takeaway
After a customs ruling allowed the sensor to be restored, Apple’s latest smartwatch evolution will offer an enhanced blood‑oxygen measurement, making its health toolkit even more comprehensive.
